This week we are gunning for the top to help us get into tip top mental health from the Royal Family down to our hardy and willing football fans, players and clubs.
Any hobby can leave a void if snatched away by Corona. In this blog we focus on football and the mental health of supporters with the guidance of The Heads Together Team and the Sound Of Support programme which encompasses;
‘Six films in our #SoundOfSupport series, we’ve paired up some of the biggest names in the football world and beyond to have candid, honest conversations about their mental health and the importance of supporting each other. Through these real conversations, the series aims to help football fans, and men in particular, feel comfortable and confident in reaching out for support if they need it, and in showing support for their mates'.(https://www.headstogether.org.uk/the-duke-of-cambridge-joins-gareth-southgate-in-heads-ups-sound-of-support-series/)
It’s no secret that mental health and sport / exercise combined are key factors in supporting our mental health. Over the last few weeks we have explored the benefits of Nature, the challenges that people who are facing the challenge of sensory impairments and the need for mental health awareness for coaches and instructors to enable those with mental health problems to access sport and exercise in any way that they wish to. Looking at barriers and opportunities to develop skills and activities that support the needs of people who need to get out, exercise and be healthy in mind, body and spirit.
So Why Head’s Up?
This programme although mostly recognised for It’s Royal connections and the Football link also has other layers to it that are well worth exploring and utilising by individuals, small groups, health and well being charities, leisure providers and sports clubs. However, it’s worth reminding ourselves that although we are hooking into the football section of this great piece of work that is just one avenue which they follow. There are plenty of other projects running and we’ll come to those in the all important links at the end of the blog.
The most influential angle that we have encountered is as mentioned through Football and the push to get men in particular talking about their mental health or just talking to each other about something! We at Time To Heal are very aware of how football can be a great release and support through our time as season ticket holders at Ipswich Town Football Club and our continuing interest in following the team, listening to them on the radio and keeping up to date with the club app. Of course although we are looking at football here, the ‘void’ of a loved activity or hobby can be felt for other COVID fatalities.
However, right now with no crowds allowed in stadiums what can we do to still support people who are now potentially more vulnerable than ever? With the plans starting to be laid for audiences to return to stadiums comes a you turn with Corona Virus ‘R’ Rates increasing and test events like the Cambridge Game (12th September) being cancelled at the last minute). All those who were encouraged to ‘take a minute’ and just talk to someone are now lost, what do they do on a Saturday afternoon? The 20th of September was a step in allowing some crowds into three EFL games, a small but seemingly successful test. Then the killer blow of postponement of further trials with Rugby missing out just a few hours before their event was to follow. The 25th September saw fans from the blues loose their ‘crowd trial’ which was ‘benched' at the last minute devastating the people who were so excited about a return to the ground and the players and managers who are desperate to have the fans back, not to mention the immense detail, planning and preparation required to but such an event on. An increased amount had been allowed initially because of the depth and detail the club had put in place and the innovative way they were able to plan ‘bubbles’ and the ‘rule of 6’ in conjunction with the forever loyal Town supporters.
However, let’s see if this helps us on our way to continuing to support our mental health! We think it’s important to establish why this Heads Together Campaign was set up and targeted around football and this quote informs us of this;
‘Imagine if we talked about mental health as much as we talk about football. It’s our national game – passionately loved and followed by millions of people in the UK. So many of us don’t go a day without talking about football, and it’s time that the same can be said for mental health. That’s why we’ve launched Heads Up with The FA – a new campaign using football to change the game on mental health. We want to encourage more men to feel comfortable talking about their mental health and feel able to support their friends and families through difficult times.
Now we need to explore the people who have been hugely affected and why before we offer some suggestions and share some ideas to keep people linked and connected to the game that they love so much.
So Why Are We Saying that Fans are Vulnerable Right Now?
We feel it is crucial to talk about the impact on various groups before looking more deeply into how the Heads Up Programme could give us some crucial help and support. Some people will think it’s just a game of football that lasts 90 minutes and then everyone goes home. BIG error of judgement there! To some football is a way of life and engages them in long trips to the stadium either by car, coaches or walks. Attendance at an away game may consist of a long coach journey to say Bristol, sat next to a fellow fan, then the pre-match build up, the game, chanting, singing, jumping up and down If you haven't read it you may have seen how small amounts of exercise add up in a previous blog with can be found here;
With the new restrictions, football which is a lifeline to so many and will leave a massive increase in time to fill with the potential of isolation, declines in mental health and long term health conditions not to mention activity levels. The shielders are likely to be more inclined to stay indoors right now with COVID-19 again ruling the news and scaring people into remaining home and local restrictions changing all the time. Football can really be a way of life for fans. We at Time To Heal really missed the end of the season and were excited to have it back over the radio but is it the same?
Do fans connect outside of the stadium? We never did and know that most around us didn’t either. What impact does this have and what can be offered in order to highlight the need to replace the football and continue to have people’s mental health in good shape. Are people going to develop mental health conditions? What about the impact on carers who attend as an ‘escape’ or the most severely disabled who use this game as an outlet in a high sensory environment where they are accepted and find genuine joy and happiness.
What about the players themselves?
Difficulties around illness, shielders and those moving clubs, the change to training sessions, possible anxieties, Corona Tests, working in small groups, not being able to shower, change, eat and socialise with the team after training. Yes, they can interact whilst on the pitch but they also have to be focused on their training. Added to the fact that there are no supporters and what must it be like for someone new coming in and trying to gel with the rest of the team. Moving across the country to a new club is stressful and theres no way to tell if you can really be happy at that club. You can capture the idea but you can’t re-create the moment that you are announced to the fans before your first big match.
This could apply to any sports person returning to action and on any level. The complexity of provision required is mind boggling. Small group work, followed by contact work and then into proper training mode. It’s a lot to digest especially as we now hit ‘tipping point’. Some may find this situation easier than others. It’s fair to say we have noticed a difference in some of the younger players this season. Not so much pressure felt perhaps when playing in front of a bouncing, happy, energetic crowd desperate to watch their team win and showing their disapproval of missed chances in potentially self confidence issues for some players! Others will be the opposite and feed off that crowd and so how do we help them? That has the potential for a player to loose form, become frustrated and slip down that slippery slope. Everything has been twisted upside down. One inventive ideas at ITFC is the introduction of ‘cardboard fans’. Actual cardboard cut outs of fans who purchase them and they are added onto the seat in the stadium. A reminder to the players of how much the fans love them but still not the same.
What about The Managers & Support Staff?
Bringing players back to training is a difficult one and needs to be well managed ensuring all guidelines are being met and that players feel safe, confident and understand what is being asked of them. The manager needs to have others backing him up and owners have huge financial challenges to meet. Even the biggest clubs will do well to weather this storm.
Watching on TV and potentially big screens or in pubs which could be great, but now there are limits with the 6 people rule and so generating the same level of atmosphere, collective voice and of course the football games itself are just not the same, despite their best efforts Marcus Evans (ITFC Chairman / Owner) was saying that at ITFC it’s unlikely they would be unable to get all season ticket holders into matches at all this season. This is a huge disappointment for everyone connected with the club and now it’s looking like there may be no games at all this season which is devastating for all tiers of football. The financial implications run high and must have a significant impact on their well being. The programme sellers, the tea lady, community coaches, player visits on hold, charity collections, sponsors, the chefs no longer allowed to feed their team, the match day stewards and the ball boys. Just a few of the people who have lost their way through this pandemic.
The matches still need to run, the pitch needs to be looked after, the ground spotless and the guidelines for players managed through all levels. The pressure to gain promotion and the need to be innovative in keeping fans onside and retaining their season tickets or away tickets. A heavy burden to have on your shoulders.
What About Others?
It’s also obvious to us that the game is just not the same for the commentators, goals are scored and yet the tone of voice is not excitement, it just continues. The radio is just like any other programme they are just not feeling the ‘game’ and shows in their outlook of life on the road as a journalist. They are getting the chance to watch the game but for them it’s not as great a job as they want and that in itself could be a mental health issue. Add in the time they spend travelling long distances on their own and having to socially distance or create ‘bubbles’ as they sit in their seats to convey the action before them.
Mick Mills’(Ex ITFC Football player) stated in a radio commentary that his coping mechanisms were fine during the summer months of lockdown because of the weather and the opportunity to do other things. However, he brought up that in the winter he would have found it significantly more difficult and sadly with the stark reality of a second wave of corona and test crowds now on hold this could become a real issue. Bear in mind these are people paid to do broadcasting and you would think they would be loving being back BUT they are missing elements of joy and passion that the crowd brings. Simply playing the odd sound track in doesn’t really help that much.
Then you can add in the town itself and the income generated by fans coming into Ipswich and other areas and spending money in the shops or going for a pre-lunch in a local cafe or pub or even the loss of car parking takings for the council. The people affected are far reaching. Football is just so much more than a game as you can see from this speculative piece of writing.
The thoughts above paint a dismal picture so let’s pick up the pace now though and see if we can get some positives out there!
So here we go, let’s take a leap in and see what changes the Heads Together Programmes are making and how these support their target audiences in a fiercely challenging environment. That can then lead us onto how things could be tackled on a more local level. The goals they remain constant but this is an update on how things have changed and the new approach that has been taken in the lead up to this season of football that no one could ever have imagined;
‘Even though the stadiums are silent, the conversation about mental health is louder than ever. The #SoundOfSupport series shows how important it is that we keep breaking the silence around mental health and make our support heard by those who need it. We all have mental health – and it’s important to talk about it. Whoever you support, and whoever supports you, show the sound of your support – and make sure it’s heard by those who need it'.(https://www.headstogether.org.uk/the-duke-of-cambridge-joins-gareth-southgate-in-heads-ups-sound-of-support-series/)
Since lockdown there have been new plans put in to place to support football fans up and down the country.
‘Across six films in our #SoundOfSupport series, we’ve paired up some of the biggest names in the football world and beyond to have candid, honest conversations about their mental health and the importance of supporting each other. Through these real conversations, the series aims to help football fans, and men in particular, feel comfortable and confident in reaching out for support if they need it, and in showing support for their mates'.(https://www.headstogether.org.uk/the-duke-of-cambridge-joins-gareth-southgate-in-heads-ups-sound-of-support-series/)
YouTube Playlist - Below #SoundOfSupport explain the content of each episode.
‘Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp and Andy Robertson sit down to discuss dealing with setbacks, the supportive culture at Liverpool FC, and their mutual experiences of losing loved ones who never saw them make it in the game’.
'Two of Manchester City’s first-team players, Phil Foden and İlkay Gündoğan, sit down to talk about their experiences in lockdown, feelings of isolation, their thoughts on social media and their love of football’.
‘Watch as Jesse Lingard and Maya Jama sit down for a candid, honest and open conversation on mental health. Manchester United and England midfielder, Jesse talks about the pressure to perform and how a simple conversation felt like a weight lifting when his mum had depression and he had to step up and support his family. TV and radio broadcaster Maya Jama talks through a spiral of events from her youth and how she experiences and manages her anxiety’.
‘An incredibly honest and inspiring conversation between Watford's Troy Deeney and Alex Scott who sit down together and share their honest and personal experiences of mental health’.
‘Listen as Rio Ferdinand and Owen Farrell discuss the pressures of representing England and how mental health awareness has changed over the generations’.
Watch as The Duke of Cambridge and England manager Gareth Southgate talk mental health in the final episode of our #SoundOfSupport series.
These are a great way to stay connected to your mental health and realise that even the top players struggle so you are not alone. The important thing is how we manage it.
This I think is a fantastic idea. Earlier in the year when life was ‘normal’ the Heads Together Team came together with all Football Clubs across the UK, both with men’s and women’s teams to put on events and activities to get people talking about mental health, utilising the reach of football. At the launch for this the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in some competitive table football activities. What a great way to get ‘some football!’.
Although it may not look like it, it provides some gentle exercise or potentially higher level football depending on your competitive nature and ability / disability. But with the rule of six, this could be something that is accessible. Whilst it won’t provide the same as watching a match it can still be a support and a way in to talk to others, especially if you know they are scared or vulnerable.
Plus it’s accessible to all at some level. Will certainly fill some time and sure many have some kind of table that could be used or sourced cheaply.
The Heads Together Team also work alongside three supporting charities and support mechanisms, MIND, Campaign Against Living Miserably and Sporting Chance. You can find details of each and links to the support they offer at the link below;
Show you Care Visually
Download your own posters here to show you value peoples mental health within your club or exercise environment. Use them to reach out to others and email the link to your members below.
Give us a Shout
Give us a shout is a text messaging service that you can access 24 / 7 and a great support to many in a safe, professional, confidential and non intrusive way. Just tap in 85218. They support a wide range of mental health conditions and even have some helpful videos that you can watch whilst you wait to talk to a volunteer.
Contact details for the campaign on social media are;
Join the conversation using #HeadsUp and look out for more on @Heads_Together and @TheFA.
However, if you are really struggling or know someone that is then you can find all the contact information for the Samaritans
Other Programmes
As promised the Heads Up Campaign also supports Mentally Healthy Schools and work place wellbeing which are obviously crucial alongside targeted groups like the football programme and work with others who face extreme difficulties with Mental Health and can be implemented easily with the resources that you can find on the website.
Their aim to support others is summed up in this quote;
‘Through our work with young people, emergency response, homeless charities, and with veterans, we have seen time and time again that unresolved mental health problems lie at the heart of some of our greatest social challenges." - The Duke of Cambridge’(https://www.headstogether.org.uk/about/)
All of the above could lead to the development of more severe mental health problems in the long run which is why so much vital support is now available. It’s just a question of finding the right support from the right people, which we know is incredibly difficult.
Health Charities & Medical Organisations.
For those with existing medical conditions or mental health conditions who need help health charities can play a vital role. Loosing your hobby and then trying to regain it can be extremely difficult but in order to maintain your engagement try using the health organisation/charities that can support you. It’s no secret that mental health can affect long term Health Conditions and be caused by your condition, so stay on top of the latest guidelines. An example for us is both The Pituitary Foundation and The Addison’s Self Help Group. They offer immense support through these turbulent times. Using those social media platforms can really help you to recognise what you are feeling and try to open up to those around you.
Having the knowledge you need provided by people you can trust can make a real difference. Therefore, please talk to someone about your mental health, where possible ask for help if you need it.
If you do have a Pituitary condition then The Pituitary foundation have fantastic support helplines. You can utilise the best way for you by choosing from email support, a helpline, a text service and access to an endocrine nurse so there is no need to stay
Ipswich Town FC
Engage with the club you support as best you can. Download the app for your team onto your phone or tablet and see the depth of match result, fixtures, tables, extended highlights, plus the chance to reminisce over some past memories that enable to you re-visit those amazing successes to bring some joy and happiness at the touch of a screen. If you know someone who needs help with this then please reach out. You could still meet for pre-match drinks, discuss the latest news and share highlights together, it’s just time to be a bit more creative. If your team is in one of the EFL leagues the app link is below.
Engaging The Hard To Reach through other partnerships
Looking for some exercise or ways to engage in new activities that are ‘connected’ to your football could really help you fill the empty space and keep you moving at the same time. A few things to try are below with the crucial links that you need.
Walking Football groups have ‘sprung’ up across the country and offer camaraderie in a safe environment with people participating at their own level.
This great video by We Are Undefeatables is an excellent introduction to walking football and shows how it can help your mental health and fill some of the void.
Want to try it at home to start with? Then work with Stuart to get you going. It may not be like being in the stands but it could really help.
Your next step may be to also look for your local council and the initiatives that they are running. Things like walking groups and walking Netball sessions if you prefer are all on offer and have been inspired by charities like Head’s Together and the We Are Undefeatables Campaign. Get to meet some like minded people either through the screen or in person.
Council Programmes
Also look for your local council and the initiatives that they are running. Essex County Council have an activity finder to help and other councils will as well.
up next week……
Updates
We will share with you the fantastic achievements of organisations that are close to our hearts here at Time To Heal. This is a way to celebrate, inspire, and share best practice which could enable so many people to access better health, mental health and fitness across a range of diverse programmes, activities, insights and more.
Join us as we show how everyone can achieve something whether that’s better health, increased physical activity or a love of all things nature……………..
Prepare to be amazed and inspired whilst utilising these special groups and how the work of all culminates in a maze of opportunities to work together, support each other and move on facing all the challenges of COV-ID head on.
Following on from that my next series will also tackle some of these issues as we look a some ‘secret activities’ that can not only support the mental health of those players and exercise participants but have a huge effect on their actual performance within a session, starting out on the road to good mental health and support those at the very lowest level of participation to move up another level and actually access something that is more structured and tailored around their needs. We’ll scroll through some craft, relaxation and visualisation. Time to think outside the box again!
Commenti